Amber Care Guide
Baltic amber is an exquisite gemstone, with so many different colors & variations; it's no wonder why it's so highly sought after. It has a hardness of 2-2.5 which is softer than many other gemstones. Below is a list of things you should do in order to care for your amber jewellery. With proper care, amber can reward you with a lifetime of beauty and be handed down through generations.
-
Cleaning & polishing
Amber can be cleaned in lukewarm water with a soft flannel or cleaning cloth. Avoid harsh chemical soaps & cleaners that could damage the amber. Dry with a soft cloth. Olive oil & almond oil are both good natural products to polish the amber with.
-
Extreme temperatures
Avoid having your amber in extreme hot or cold conditions, a sudden increase or decrease in temperature can cause the amber to crack.
-
Do NOT leave in the sun
Contrary to what some people believe, amber should not be left in the sun for prolonged periods or exposed to high heat. Some people claim that amber needs to be "re charged" by the sun, however this is not true and actually removes the moisture in the amber, making it brittle.
-
Storage
Because amber is softer than a lot of other gemstones, it is recommended to store it wrapped in a jewellery cloth or jewellery bag away from other jewellery that could scratch it.
-
Avoid chemicals
Care should be taken when using chemical products such as hair sprays, deodorants & perfumes - These should be applied before wearing the jewellery as they can dull the amber.